Updated July 2026. The first GST/HST credit payment of 2026 landed Canada-wide on Monday, January 5, giving millions of eligible households timely relief just after the holiday season.
How Much Was Paid
For the 2025-26 benefit year, the maximum annual amounts work out to $533 for singles, $698 for couples, plus an additional $184 per child under 19 — paid out quarterly, with January 5 being the first instalment of the year.
Who Received It
The GST/HST credit is a tax-free quarterly benefit aimed at low- and modest-income Canadians, designed to offset the GST/HST paid on everyday purchases. Eligibility is based on your (and your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) net income from your most recent tax return — no separate application is needed if you’ve filed your taxes and previously qualified.
What’s Changing Later in 2026
This is one of the last full benefit years under the current GST/HST credit structure. A one-time top-up payment landed on June 5, 2026, ahead of the credit being replaced entirely by the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit starting July 3, 2026 — which keeps the same eligibility rules but increases quarterly payment amounts by 25% over the following five years.
Didn’t Get Your Payment?
Confirm your most recent tax return has been filed and assessed, then check your CRA My Account for your GST/HST credit status before contacting the CRA directly. Direct deposit recipients typically see the exact scheduled date; cheque recipients should allow extra mailing time.
For the authoritative source on this topic, see the CRA.
Related Reading
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- Sending Money Abroad from Canada: The Cheapest Way and the Hidden Exchange-Rate Cost
- New Canada Workers Benefit Payment Increase Coming In 2026
If you'd rather have this mapped out for your exact situation instead of piecing it together yourself, our personalized report covers eligibility, CRS score, and next steps.
